Textron Inc. is shutting down its Textron eAviation business unit and redistributing the division’s electric and conventional aviation activities among its other subsidiaries, the company revealed on Friday in a Securities and Exchange Commission Form 8-K filing. Plans to eliminate Textron eAviation as a separate reporting segment were approved by Textron management on October 16 and will take effect on Jan. 4, 2026, at the start of the fiscal year. 

VoltAero is battling to keep its plans for a family of hybrid-electric aircraft alive as it urgently seeks additional investment in the face of French insolvency proceedings. The company has confirmed that around €5 million ($5.8 million) in equity capital promised by France’s ACI Group is now stalled as that company faces its own funding crisis.

Archer Aviation is acquiring about 300 patents from Lilium, an insolvent eVTOL aircraft manufacturer and former competitor, for €18 million ($21 million) after winning a competitive bid process, the California-based manufacturer announced on October 15. Lilium's insolvency administrator accepted Archer's bid in preference to another made by Europe-based Ambitious Air Mobility Group, which has said the outcome is not in the best interests of creditors and represents a missed opportunity to invest in German industry.

Airbus Helicopters is taking over two uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) programs from Survey Copter, a light tactical drone manufacturer owned by Airbus Defense and Space, in a move that the European aerospace giant says will streamline its UAS offerings. “By incorporating Aliaca and Capa-X into our UAS portfolio, we are building a cohesive family of products and solidifying Airbus’ position as a market leader in the tactical drone segment,” said Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even.

Honeywell Aerospace is looking to augment EASA approvals for its Operate Anywhere Ground Control Station concept, aimed at supporting uncrewed aerial vehicles in European airspace. During a recent media briefing, the company reported that, having accomplished Specific Operations Risk Assessment Specific Assurance Integrity (SAIL) Level 2 earlier this year, its development team is now targeting SAIL 3 and 4 ‘medium risk’ categories in 2026.

Air New Zealand has begun a series of test flights with Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric aircraft. On October 17, the carrier flew the six-seater on an initial flight from Tauranga Airport before flying it 43 nm to Hamilton Airport where it will be based until December when it is due to relocate to Wellington International Airport.

Korean Air plans to operate up to 100 of Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft and has begun a partnership with the manufacturer to launch commercial services. Under an agreement announced on October 20, the companies said they are now exploring multiple use cases for the vehicle, which could include government applications.

Airbus and Boeing face a challenge that is good news and bad news. The good news: demand for most of their airplanes is high. The bad news: neither can meet the demand. Delivery slots are sold out for the A320neo and 737 MAX families into the next decade. Widebody delivery positions are also increasingly scarce. And the supply chain continues to fall short, while engine makers still struggle to deliver durable and reliable products.